WE MUST ALL ACT

HUGH ROBERTSON URGES EVERYONE TO RESPOND TO GOVERNMENT PLANS TO CUT FAVERSHAM'S RAIL SERVICES

Hugh Robertson has met the Strategic Rail Authority, the government department responsible for cuts to the rail service to Faversham. Hugh asked for the meeting as a result of government proposals revealed in the consultation document on the Integrated Kent Franchise.

The Strategic Rail Authority confirmed that their plans for Faversham include:-

1. Two trains to Victoria per hour – one fast and one slow. This is a reduction from the current four train service.

2. Two additional trains to Cannon Street to arrive in London between 0800 and 0900 and two return trains in the evening. This is a reduction of one.

3. Three additional trains to St Pancras during the peak period, all of which return in the evening.

4. Two further additional trains to St Pancras each way during the day.

Hugh said: “The purpose of this meeting was to understand the thinking behind the government’s proposals and to be clear about its exact effect on Faversham.

“As a result, I am extremely concerned and it is clear that we have now got a considerable fight on our hands to preserve our existing service.

“The Strategic Rail Authority made it very clear that the key driver of this review was the government’s desire to regenerate the Medway Towns using the CTRL. The CTRL has to extend to Sittingbourne because this is the first station where the trains can turn around. Everything else follows on from the need to integrate the CTRL into the existing network to meet this political objective.

“Apparently, the passenger figures for East Kent are also relatively low – although, in my opinion, this is more likely to be a reflection of the quality of the current service.

“I have always felt that Faversham’s economic development is closely tied to a full train service to London. These plans put that objective at risk.

“The good news is that these proposals can be changed. I would, therefore, urge all the consultees and, indeed, all interested individuals to respond to the consultation process.

All this will need to be backed with hard figures – but this is a battle that we can win.”